PORT ST. LUCIE — As the traveling circus heads to Orlando with John Rocker being the main media attraction, the Mets — from their manager to their players — don’t think the team will be affected at all.

“It is like a two-week disabled list,” said Bobby Valentine, noting the amount of time Rocker is scheduled to miss due to his reduced suspension. “It doesn’t affect the season; especially the closer.”

Center fielder Darryl Hamilton, 35, concurred with his manager.

“It might affect a young ball club, but not the Braves,” Hamilton said. “Sure, they’re going to get tired of it, but it’s not going to affect them on the field.”

The reduction of Rocker’s suspension raised more reaction then the “How it will affect the Braves?” question.

The most interesting response came from newcomer Jersey Bobby Jones, who played with Rocker in Puerto Rico. Jones doesn’t think Rocker “is that person” who said all those things in the infamous Sports Illustrated article.

“He’s a little off his mind,” Jones said before adding, “He is a good person.”

Jones, though, disagreed with Rocker’s decision to appeal his suspension.

“By him getting that penalty reduced, it is a slap in the face to everyone in America,” said Jones, noting that it is the union’s job to protect the player.

Valentine thought the reduction was fair, while some of his other Mets thought there should never have been a need for an appeal.

“I don’t think you can suspend a guy for what is on his mind,” Hamilton said.

Reserve Matt Franco added: “The guy said some stupid comments. It wasn’t the smartest thing to do. I don’t think you should take away a guy’s livelihood.”

Besides Jersey Jones, the players all seemed to think that Rocker did the right thing by trying to get his suspension reduced.